Cause of independent living facility fire remains unknown

The investigation continues into what caused the fire at the Belmont independent living facility in Stayner, Ont.

Five days after a fire forced the evacuation of the Belmont independent living facility in Stayner, there’s still no word on a cause or damage estimate.

The fire marshal wrapped up the on site investigation Sunday. The building that was home to 24 residents remains behind yellow caution tape.

“It will be some time before the cause is officially released but it is not suspicious at this point,” said said Clearview Township Fire Chief Scott Davison.

Fire crews spent hours battling the blaze last week. At this point, all investigators know is the fire started at the rear of the building near the kitchen. Staff inside the facility are being credited with getting everyone out safely within seven minutes and only minor injuries reported.

“They saved many lives that day,” Davison said. “They followed their fire safety plan and it was great. I really commend them on their heroism that day.”

Some of the residents have been taken in by family, while most have been staying at a hotel in Midland.

The owner of the Belmont, John Bells, said, “There are roughly about 20 of them there now. Our concern was keeping everyone together and finding a hotel that could facilitate them, not just in terms of rooms but communal areas so they can still carry on with activities and dinners together and stuff like that.”

Bells said he is working with Clearview Township in an effort to find a closer location for his clients, as it will likely be several years before the existing building is repaired or even replaced.

Clearview Mayor Doug Measures said his council is trying to finalize details that would allow an existing building in Stayner to act as a short term location for the Belmont.

“We are hoping we have some options in the area but we will have them back here in the next couple of weeks.” said Wells.

For now, the residents will remain at the hotel until council makes a final decision on what, if anything, it can do to get the seniors back to Stayner.